Nested Modeling and Sensitivity Analysis for Robust Control of Large-Scale Membrane Bioreactors under Uncertainty

📢PhD Position — ANR JCJC Project FlexMIEE

Nested Modeling and Sensitivity Analysis for Robust Control of Large-Scale Membrane Bioreactors under Uncertainty

Fully funded PhD position within the ANR JCJC FlexMIEE project at the Laboratoire de Génie Chimique (LGC, Toulouse INP). The project aims to develop a dedicated sensitivity analysis methodology for nested multi-scale models, in order to improve energy efficiency and robust control of large-scale membrane bioreactors (MBRs).
The research will focus on: (i) symbolic representation of uncertainties (intervals, histograms) and dependency modeling via copulas; (ii) development of sensitivity measures specifically adapted to nested structures; (iii) design of a hybrid controller (mechanistic models + reinforcement learning) for real-time energy optimization. Validation on the SIAAP industrial case study – Seine Aval plant (348,000 m³/day).
🎯Candidate profile: Master's degree in applied mathematics, statistics, control engineering or process engineering, with strong background in sensitivity analysis, stochastic processes and Python.
📅Start date: September/October 2026. Duration: 3 years.
Application procedure: please consult the full offer. All applications must be submitted by email to Rachid OUARET : rachid.ouaret@toulouse-inp.fr